A.

Definitions. The following words and phrases shall have the following definition and meanings:

1.

Hen means a female of the species Gallus Gallus Domesticas.

2.

Hen coop means a house or cage of sufficient size that provides shelter and security for hens.

3.

Hen run means an enclosed area in which hens are allowed to walk and run about.

4.

Residential area means property within the Village that is zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1), Single-Family Residential (R-2), Single Family Residential (R-3) and Residential Estate District (RE). Property lot size must be at least 7,000 square feet to be considered for a residential hen or hen coop permit.

5.

No multi-family properties will be issued a residential hen or hen coop permit.

6.

Rooster means a male of the species Gallus Gallus Domesticas.

B.

Applicability. Hens in residential areas are allowed upon satisfaction of all of the following standards and conditions:

1.

Residential Hen Permit. A residential hen permit shall be obtained prior to any hens being permitted to be located on residential area within the Village. An application for a residential hen permit shall be made to the Village Administrator on a form prescribed by the Village Administrator. The application fee for such residential hen permit shall be as set forth in the Village's Fee Schedule. A maximum of 15 residential hen permits will be issued in the Village, at any given time. If, upon passage of this ordinance, the number of initial applicants is more than 15, such permits shall be issued via a random drawing. A field inspection, as provided for in Section B.4. below, shall be conducted and paid for by the homeowner prior to issuance of the residential hen permit.

2.

Hen Coop/Run Permit. A hen coop/run permit shall be obtained prior to a hen coop/run being constructed or located residential area within the Village. All hen coops shall have an accompanying run and vice versa. All hen coops/run shall conform to the requirements prescribed in this section. The application fee for such hen coop/run permit shall be as set forth in the Village's Fee Schedule.

3.

Inspections. Prior to approval and issuance of a residential hen permit, the Code Enforcement Officer, or designated representative, shall review the hen permit application and inspect the premises and Hen Coop/Run for compliance with the regulations of this section. To the extent the hen permit application and the construction of the hen coop/run are in compliance with the provisions of the Code, the hen permit shall be issued by the Village. Additional inspections may be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer to confirm continued compliance with the provisions of this section.

4.

Annual Renewal of Permits. Residential hen permits and hen coop/run permits shall expire one year after issuance. The annual renewal for each permit shall be as set forth in the Village's Fee Schedule.

5.

Residential hen permits and hen coop/run permits are issued to property owners. Any changes in property ownership require a new application.

6.

To the extent the rules and regulations of any homeowners' association prohibits the keeping of hens, then hens shall not be allowed on properties which are subject to such homeowners' association rules and regulations.

C.

Hen Coops/Runs Requirements, Standards and Conditions. All hen coops/runs in residential areas shall comply with the below regulations. Such hen coops/runs regulations shall not apply to hens kept on parcels zoned in the A-1 (Agricultural) zoning district.

1.

Hen coops/runs may be attached to the resident's primary structure or as a free-standing structure. Freestanding hen coops/runs shall be considered as an "accessory structure." A building permit for construction of a hen coop/run must be obtained prior to commencement of construction.

2.

All hen coops/runs must be located in the rear yard and in accordance with all applicable setback requirements. All hen coops/runs shall be a minimum of 25 feet from any neighboring primary dwelling unless a greater distance is required by any other provision of the Village Code. Hen coops/runs shall not be located within any easement.

3.

Hen coops/runs shall be maintained, kept clean, and built in a manner to allow hens safety from predators and protection from weather elements. Hen coops/runs shall have roof or top enclosure to help keep predators out of the hen coops/runs. If electricity is to be provided to a hen coop (for purposes of heat or otherwise) an electrical permit must first be obtained prior to installation. Electricity cannot be provided via an electrical extension cord. Notwithstanding any provision of this Village Code prohibiting the use of chicken wire for fencing, chicken wire and hardware cloth shall be permitted to be used in constructing hen coops/runs.

4.

Hen coops/run shall each be large enough to provide at least five square feet of area per hen.

5.

Hen coops/runs shall not exceed 100 square feet (combined) unless a special permit has been granted.

6.

Hen coops/runs shall be constructed and maintained to reasonably prevent the collection of standing water; and shall be clean of hen droppings, uneaten or discarded feed, feathers, and other waste with such frequency as is necessary to ensure the hen coop/run does not become a nuisance.

7.

All feed must be stored indoors in rodent proof containers.

D.

Other Regulations.

1.

If the property is not owner-occupied, a letter of approval from the owner shall be required prior to a residential hen permit or hen coop/run permit being issued.

2.

A maximum of six hens and a minimum of two hens shall be allowed on any property within a residential area as defined in this section.

3.

Adult hens (i.e., hens over eight weeks in age) must be contained in a hen coop/run at all times and shall not be allowed to be kept in homes, garages or sheds.

4.

Roosters are prohibited.

5.

The slaughtering, butchering, or processing of hens is prohibited within residential areas.

6.

Proper disposal of hens is required.

7.

The display of any sales stand or signage for the sale of eggs or hens is prohibited in the residential zoning district.

8.

Violators of any of the regulations in this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, at the discretion of the Village. Three fines shall result in revocation of the hen coop permit. After revocation, the applicant must wait at least one year before applying for another hen coop permit. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. No. 2023-20, § 3, 12-13-2023)